[Celacena]

I have just finished TOB for the first time in ages - and Jaheira saved the day in the final battle.

it shouldn't be much of a surprise that you face an enemy of considerable power - in fact they are able to summon what seems like unlimited high level monsters against you - the worst kinds of beholders, demons, shadows etc - OK so they can do that and Time Stop and have lots of other nasty powers BUT what if that creature were blinded and could not target the party directly? ...and the arena were big enough that the party could keep out of range of some of the summoned creatures so they fought a few at a time?

Jaheira has a neat little trick called "Nature's Beauty" at the top end of her casting range. Even the most powerful of enemies - including dragons and end-bosses can be blinded by her. it is supposed to be permanent, but the end boss of end bosses came back sighted after one defeat, so there seems to be some kind of re-set sight bug. however, with the aid of a WISH cast by a WIS 18 (potion) mage, we all re-learned our spells etc between bouts and J had a couple more cracks at it.

NB is THE disabler of disablers when it comes to casters. Add to that that I use her as a fighter rather than a healer (the rod of resurrection means any party member can cast 'heal' from unlimited range) and Jah is worth the extra trouble she causes. I have her using the improved +5 Spectral Brand plus Belm (extra attack) or powerful shield. the club (blackblood?) mentioned above can also be improved, but you need to choose carefully when and how to use her with it - have protection from fire and against fire-hating enemies it is deadly - but used amongst your own party and you'll find you do as much damage to your own side as the enemy - "firendly fire" incidents aplenty. get her away from the rest and with 100% fire protection and it is quite useful.

staff of the woodlands should not be sniffed at either - AC improvement plus weapon plus summoning shambling mounds are cannon fodder.

Viconia is not as good as Sir Anomen, but she is pretty good. for a non-good party I'd take her in preference role-play wise.

Jaheira can be left with the harpers for some of the game in BG2, which gives a chance to develop other female divine-users.

If you have a druid main character, you can "ditch the b-tch" but otherwise, I would give serious consideration to having a Jaheira that can cast NB.